A Thrill of HOPE, the weary world REJOICES

 I am so thankful for;

the birth of Jesus

Safe travels over Christmas

Family

Christmas break! I love having these kids home! 

Grace

Mercy

Good memories made

In harder moments, I have had to help my mind go back to Bethlehem. Nativity scenes gained a new realness and importance for me this Christmas! 

I think of Mary and Joseph in the stable, with the animals. I think of them placing the brand new baby Jesus in most likely a trough, known as the manger. They wrapped him in cloths they had. 

During this time the shepherds were out tending to their flocks and an angel appeared to them. The angel told them of the great news of a Savior being born in a stable! 

Luke 2: 10 and 11 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all of the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

The shepherds when to find baby Jesus. 

And after some time, three wise men- known as magi - saw a bright star in the sky. The wise men traveled to find the new king. 

A THRILL OF HOPE, THE WEARY WORLD REJOICES

LIFE

Life is anything but dull. So many highlights, a few daunting struggles. 

Merit got his wisdom teeth extracted Tuesday morning - the procedure went well - but then he proceeded to come down with a nasty virus. This kid is really sick. Tuesday night, last night too,  he looked like a feverish Zombie. 

So I am trying to best help him Tuesday night, but needed to run to town to grab Chico's Pizza, Vance's birthday dinner choice! :-) And Willem gets home from practice, his face is bleeding, his cheek is swollen. 

That kids hustle could teach me a thing or two, every day.

Hazel is a BUSY girl and loving life! We have had snow and ICE for sooooo long! I think her horse misses her. 

Oren has SO much Christmas spirit! It is a BEAUTIFUL thing! 

It really was no surprise when the horses at the Christmas tree farm wanted to hang out with Hazel! And no, she did not have treats in her pocket! They just like her! 

As I may have shared, Christmas tree farms and pumpkin patches are my jam. Really, there is nothing better. 

When we arrived at the farm I asked Vance if I should as the owners to take a picture of our family. The look he gave me told me he wanted to get in and out of there! 😂

SO, no family pics! But plenty of little groupings! 

And we loaded up two BEAUTIFUL trees! One for our house, one for our shop! 

BASKETBALL!

Great wins for our varsity and JV 

squads Friday night! 

 

Little Dribblers! Man this is fun!! 

This guy is one of my favorite coaches! :-)

These young kids are taking part in something so fun, which is also an excellent learning experience.  Carter Smith is such a cool kid! Oren is having a ball! 

Christmas Cheer!

 

Christmas CHEER is in the air! 

I have taught third grade and fifth grade this week and then third grade again tomorrow! I feel blessed. 

Oren said "Mom, you know why subbing is the perfect job for you?"

I asked "why?" 

He said "Because you get to be with kids! You don't have to work every day. And you don't have to work the night shift."

Wow! He's got a great point! 

Our niece graduates from college this weekend! We are so proud of Abby. 

Hazel is making gingerbread in culinary! 

Oren is excited about his Christmas concert tomorrow! 

Things are normal around here! LOL

so much fun!

Soaking it all up!